“The Missouri legislature has taken bold action to combat the insidious and hateful BDS movement that singles out Israel and encourages punitive actions against its economy and citizens,” said a regional director of the American Jewish Committee.
On Thursday, the Missouri legislature passed a law that bans the state government from contracting with businesses that boycott the Jewish state.
The bill passed by an overwhelming 95-40 margin as lawmakers returned to work following a mandatory break due to the coronavirus crisis.
By taking this step, Missouri joins 28 other states in the U.S. that officially reject the Palestinian-orchestrated campaign to delegitimize and demonize Israel through boycotts, divestment, and sanctions (BDS).
The BDS’ ultimate goal is the elimination of the State of Israel.
Under the Missouri law, companies entering into state contracts must obligate themselves not to boycott Israel, with a carve-out for contracts under $100,000 and companies with less than 10 employees.
Republican Rep. Holly Rehder spearheaded efforts to pass the bill.
Nancy Lisker, director of the American Jewish Committee St. Louis Region, lauded the step as a “bold action to combat the insidious and hateful BDS movement that singles out Israel and encourages punitive actions against its economy and citizens,” The Associated Press reported.
